Richard Paul Ptacek, Sr.

Richard Paul Ptacek, Sr. was born July 20, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio to James and Mary (Benicek) Ptacek. He died July 16, 2016, following extended illness, in Edmonds, Washington.Growing up in a large family (brothers Jim, Ed, George, and Gene Ptacek and sisters Marian Lid, Lil Krcal, Marge Ptacek, Betty Ptacek), Rich enjoyed life-long relationships with siblings, his many nieces, nephews, and their families. He grew up spending many hours playing popular sports, bowling, fishing, and at the neighborhood social hall. Richard graduated in 1947 from James Ford Rhodes High School, in Cleveland, and was already employed in the construction industry. He began working at GM Nutter, Inc, in Parts Sales, met Margie (his Babe), and joined the US Army, 231st Engineer Battalion, in 1951. Private Richard Ptacek was assigned to Fort Lewis in Tacoma, WA. There he learned to build pontoon bridges, played softball to provide morale to the corps, and was recruited to work in the Finance Department because of no math skills. As a member of the base team, he competed in the 6th Army Area Softball Championship. However, exposure to radiation from atomic bomb testing and detonation during this time would have a profound effect on his health in later yearsFollowing his discharge from the Army in 1953, Dick returned briefly to work at GM Nutter, Inc, before becoming a truck driver with Spangs Bakery, Allied (Snows) Frozen Foods, and Seaway Foods. During this time, Dick and Marge began the journey that lasted for the rest of his life.Married in 1953, and following a honeymoon to Niagara Falls, the newlyweds lived with family while their first home was built. Settling in Garfield Heights by 1955, Dick began finishing projects that provided the space needed to accommodate the growing family. He joined the Western and Southern Life Insurance Company as a sales agent in 1960, pted a promotion to Assistant Sales Manager in 1969, and relocated to Washington State. With their children, Peggi (Brian LaPlante), Nancy (Arion McCartney), Rick, Jr., Mary (Dennis Callahan), Mike (Julie), Ken (Rochelle), Bob (Anita), Kathy (Dave Welch), and Tim (Angie) who joined the siblings in Washington in 1971, Marge and Dick lived for many years in the Edmonds area. Dick helped open Contractors and Loggers Insurance in Lynnwood, before beginning as an agent with Prudential in 1974, retiring in 1993. Dick made many friends through mutual interests - Community Service (Lynnwood Jaycees), softball (Member of Edmonds Old Timers), Church affiliation - Usher, Greeter (St. Monica in Garfield Heights, St. Thomas More in Lynnwood), magic (helping to start the Lynnwood Magic Ring). He enjoyed gardening and was especially proud of his raspberries and rhubarb every summer. He donated time as Santa for many years, assisting fundraisers at church and in the community.He continued following his favorite teams - the Browns and Cavaliers, especially enjoying the recent Cav championship win, but also enjoyed the susses of the Seattle teams. He loved to travel whether it be by car, airplane, or ship. He traveled from east to west, Florida to Alaska, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.Richard is survived by Marge, and their children, except for son, Ken, who preceded his father in death, passing away in June 2015.Grandpa will be missed by his grandchildren: Robert Aubrey LaPlante, Aimee Joe and wife Stacie Cobb, Nicholas Ptacek, Shannon Jenica Callahan, Zachary Joshua Ptacek, Ryan Alyssa Ptacek, Dan David Ptaeck, Ben, Casey Leah Welch, Tyler Tanner Ptacek, and great granddaughter Jennifer Schoos.Dick will be remembered for his loyalty to friends, graciousness towards strangers, and generosity to those in need. He was proud of his children and their accomplishments. He enjoyed performing magic and opportunities to entertain at Ronald McDonald House, playing Santa at Childrens Hospital, and nearly 10 years of wearing his own Santa suit for holiday parties with family and friends.